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In an effort to reduce the 2.5 billion disposable cups dumped in landfill or incinerated each year in the UK, Starbucks has today announced it could soon run trials with recyclable cups in stores across the country.

People were shocked to learn that existing paper cups are only used once and rarely get recycledMartin Myerscough

At the time this prompted Starbucks to begin offering customers a 50p discount for bringing in their own cups to use, though now the company has decided to go one step further - thanks to campaigning by anti-waste campaigner and chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - by introducing the Frugalpac cup into its stores.

The Frugalpac cup is made by gluing the thin plastic liner in so lightly that it separates from the paper in the recycling processCredit:
Jane Mingay/PA

Created by British entrepreneur Martin Myerscough, the Frugalpac cap is recyclable thanks to the thin plastic liner designed to easily separate itself from the paper during the recycling process.

Myerscough said: "People were shocked to learn that existing paper cups are only used once and rarely get recycled.

"We've spent the last two years developing our cup and we hope now that coffee chains and cups producers will see Frugalpac as an answer to this issue.

Myerscough is currently in talks with other coffee shops and supermarkets about using the cup as their standard product: "We think Frugalpac will make a huge contribution to the solution and we’re looking forward to working with the industry to make this happen."

Martin Myerscough, creator of the Frugalpac capCredit:
Jane Mingay/PA

A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We are very interested in finding out more about the Frugalpac cup and we will be testing it to see if it meets our standards for safety and quality, with a view to trialling its recyclability."

Currently, more than 30 companies have signed a pledge from the Paper Cup Recycling and Recovery Group to significantly increase paper cup recycling rates by 2020, including brands such as Caffé Nero, Starbucks, Costa, and Pret a Manger.

Costa does now allow customers to bring their own cups – though this is not publicised and there is no price incentive. A spokesman said: "We offer our own reusable cups but will be happy to serve customers who bring in their own."

Pret a Manger also allows reusable cups, provided they fit on its coffee machines. A spokesperson said: "The issue of waste is of great importance to Pret and we welcome customers who bring their own reusable cups."